Domestic Chickens
Gallus gallus domesticus
Natural Habitat
Domesticated. Their wild ancestor, the Red Junglefowl, inhabits dense forests and bamboo thickets.
Where I'm Found
Domesticated poultry found worldwide. They are descended primarily from the Red Junglefowl, which inhabits the tropical forests and bamboo thickets of Southeast Asia.
What I Eat
Omnivorous foragers that will eat almost anything.
- Wild: Seeds, insects, lizards, vegetation, and scraps.
- Zoo: Layer pellets, scratch grains, vegetables, and mealworms.
How Long I Live
- Production: 2 – 3 years
- Pet/Zoo: 8 – 10+ years
Fun Facts
- Dinosaur DNA: Genetic studies show that chickens are the closest living relatives to the Tyrannosaurus rex.
- Pecking Order: They have a complex social hierarchy where higher-ranking birds eat first; this is where the term “pecking order” originated.
- REM Sleep: Chickens experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which means they dream.
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